Refrigerator appliance

ABSTRACT

A refrigerator appliance is generally provided herein. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a secondary liner, and a circulation duct. The cabinet may include an internal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may be positioned at the fresh food chamber. The secondary liner may define a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and the fresh food chamber. The circulation duct may extend within the sub-compartment in fluidly-isolated thermal communication with the sub-compartment. The circulation duct may define an air passage in fluid communication with the freezer chamber.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerationappliances, and more particularly to refrigeration appliances includingfeatures for making ice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain appliances, such as refrigerator appliances, generally includean icemaker. In order to produce ice, liquid water is directed to theicemaker and frozen. After being frozen, ice may be stored within astorage bin appliance. In order to ensure ice is formed and/or remainsin a frozen state, the icemaker and bin may be mounted within a chilledportion of the appliance. For instance, some conventional appliancesprovide an icemaker and storage bin within a freezer compartment. Otherconventional appliances provide the icemaker and storage bin within aseparate sub-compartment (e.g., within a door). In order to maintainefficient operation of the appliance, these conventional appliancesgenerally provide an air circulation system to continuously exchange airwithin the sub-compartment with air within the freezer compartment. Someconventional appliances have attempted to incorporate a thermo-electriccooling device in order to cool a portion of an icemaker or storage bin.One or intermediate liquid refrigerant paths are typically definedbetween the thermo-electric cooling device in order to control the dualcooling-heating effects of such thermo-electric cooling devices.

Certain drawbacks exist with these conventional appliances. Forinstance, air within the freezer may be affected by the items storedwithin the freezer. Foul or unpleasant odors may be conveyed to theicemaker and/or storage bin. Over time, the odors within the air maytaint the flavor or texture of the ice within the appliance. In the caseof appliances utilizing a thermo-electric cooling device, the need forintermediate liquid refrigerant paths may significantly complicateassembly and maintenance of the appliance. Moreover, such systems may beunable to sufficiently accommodate heat generated at the thermo-electriccooling device without significantly limiting the portion of theappliance that may be cooled by thermo-electric cooling device. What'smore, typical systems utilizing a thermo-electric cooling device may berelatively inefficient (e.g., when compared to convective heat exchangesystems) for cooling any portion of the icemaker or storage bin.

In turn, it would be advantageous to provide a refrigerator appliancehaving features for addressing one or more of the above-describedissues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance isprovided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a secondaryliner, and a circulation duct. The cabinet may include an internal linerdefining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber. The secondary linermay be positioned at the fresh food chamber. The secondary liner maydefine a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber andthe fresh food chamber. The circulation duct may extend within thesub-compartment in fluidly-isolated thermal communication with thesub-compartment. The circulation duct may define an air passage in fluidcommunication with the freezer chamber.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance isprovided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet, a secondaryliner, an icemaker, and a circulation duct. The cabinet may include aninternal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber. Thesecondary liner may be attached to the cabinet. The secondary liner maydefine a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber andthe fresh food chamber. The icemaker may be mounted within thesub-compartment. The icemaker may include a mold body configured forreceiving liquid water and forming ice in the mold body. The circulationduct may extend along the mold body within the sub-compartment. Thecirculation duct may be in fluid communication with the freezer chamberand fluidly-isolated thermal communication with the sub-compartment.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance accordingto exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the example refrigerator applianceshown in FIG. 1, wherein a refrigerator door is in an open positionaccording to an exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of a refrigerator appliance, includinga cooling system, according to exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a magnified schematic view of a portion of the exemplaryrefrigerator appliance of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a magnified schematic view of a portion of arefrigerator appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 provides another magnified schematic view of a portion of arefrigerator appliance according to further embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of a refrigerator appliance, includinga sealed cooling system, according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Generally, a refrigerator appliance may be provided in some aspects ofthe present disclosure. The refrigerator appliance can include multipleseparate chambers, such as a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber.An icebox compartment for an icemaker can also be included. Forinstance, an icebox compartment can be defined in a door that permitsaccess to the fresh food chamber. A separate circulation duct can alsobe included to exchange chilled air with the icebox compartment. Thecirculation duct may extend through the icebox compartment while beingsealed off from the rest of the icebox compartment. In turn, althoughair may circulate through the circulation duct, it may be prevented frommixing with the rest of the air within the icebox compartment.

Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of anexemplary appliance (e.g., a refrigerator appliance 100) that includesan ice making feature. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a housing orcabinet 102 having an outer liner 118. As shown, cabinet generallyextends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V,between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral directionL, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transversedirection T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, andtransverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another andform an orthogonal direction system.

As shown, cabinet 102 generally defines chilled chambers for receipt offood items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 defines fresh foodchamber 122 proximal to adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 and a freezerchamber 124 arranged proximal to 106 of cabinet 102. As such,refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mountrefrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of thepresent disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigeratorappliances such as, for example, a top mount refrigerator appliance or aside-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the descriptionset forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intendedto be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamberconfiguration.

According to the illustrated embodiment, various storage components aremounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of fooditems therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Inparticular, the storage components include bins 170, drawers 172, andshelves 174 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122. Bins 170,drawers 172, and shelves 174 are positioned to receive of food items(e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizingsuch food items. As an example, drawers 172 can receive fresh food items(e.g., vegetables, fruits, and/or cheeses) and increase the useful lifeof such fresh food items. In some embodiments, a lateral mullion 116 ispositioned within cabinet 102 and separating freezer chamber 124 and thefresh food chamber 122 along a vertical direction V.

Refrigerator doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122 and extending across atleast a portion of fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessingfreezer chamber 124 and extending across at least a portion of freezerchamber 124. Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown)slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 andfreezer door 130 are each shown in the closed position in FIG. 1 (i.e.,a first closed position corresponding to doors 128, and a second closedposition corresponding to door 130).

Refrigerator appliance 100 also includes a delivery assembly 140 fordelivering or dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Delivery assembly 140includes a dispenser 142 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portionof refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., on one of refrigerator doors 128).Dispenser 142 includes a discharging outlet 144 for accessing ice andliquid water. An actuating mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mountedbelow discharging outlet 144 for operating dispenser 142. In alternativeexample embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used tooperate dispenser 142. For example, dispenser 142 can include a sensor(such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Auser interface panel 148 is provided for directing (e.g., selecting) themode of operation. For example, user interface panel 148 includes aplurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensingbutton and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode ofoperation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.

Discharging outlet 144 and actuating mechanism 146 are an external partof dispenser 142 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 150. Dispenserrecess 150 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for auser to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice withoutthe need to bend-over and without the need to open refrigerator doors128. In exemplary embodiments, dispenser recess 150 is positioned at alevel that approximates the chest level of a user. During certainoperations, the dispensing assembly 140 may receive ice from an icemaker152 mounted in a sub-compartment of the fresh food chamber 122, asdescribed below.

Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 can be generally controlledor regulated by a controller 190. In some embodiments, controller 190 isoperably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled or wirelessly coupled) touser interface panel 148 and/or various other components. In some suchembodiments, user interface panel 148 provides selections for usermanipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance 100. As anexample, user interface panel 148 may provide for selections betweenwhole or crushed ice, chilled water, and/or specific modes of operation.In response to one or more input signals (e.g., from user manipulationof user interface panel 148 and/or one or more sensor signals),controller 190 may operate various components of the refrigeratorappliance 100 according to the current mode of operation.

Controller 190 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitory storage media)and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general orspecial purpose microprocessors operable to execute programminginstructions or micro-control code associated with operation ofrefrigerator appliance 100. The memory may represent random accessmemory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In someembodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored inmemory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a softwarepackage configured to operate appliance 100 and, for example, execute anoperation routine. The memory may be a separate component from theprocessor or may be included onboard within the processor.Alternatively, controller 190 may be constructed without using amicroprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/ordigital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators,comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform controlfunctionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller 190, or portions thereof, may be positioned in a variety oflocations throughout refrigerator appliance 100. In example embodiments,controller 190 is located within the user interface panel 148. In otherembodiments, the controller 190 may be positioned at any suitablelocation within refrigerator appliance 100, such as for example withinthe fresh food chamber 122, a freezer door 130, etc. Input/output (i.e.,“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 190 and variousoperational components of refrigerator appliance 100. For example, userinterface panel 148 may be operably coupled to controller 190 via one ormore signal lines or shared communication busses.

As illustrated, controller 190 may be operably coupled to the variouscomponents of dispensing assembly 140 and may control operation of thevarious components, such as one or more thermo-electric heat exchangers220, temperature sensors 228, air handlers 176, 226, 236 (see FIGS. 4through 6), as well as one or more components of a sealed cooled system180 (see FIG. 7). For example, the various valves, switches, valves,etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller 190. Asdiscussed, interface panel 148 may additionally be operably coupled tothe controller 190. Thus, the various operations may occur based on userinput or automatically through controller 190 instruction.

Turning briefly to FIG. 7, a schematic view of certain components of asealed cooling system 180 for refrigerator appliance 100 is provided. Asmay be seen in FIG. 7, refrigerator appliance 100 includes a sealedcooling system 180 for executing a vapor compression cycle for coolingair within refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., within fresh food chamber122 and freezer chamber 124). Sealed cooling system 180 includes acompressor 182, a condenser 184, an expansion device 186, and one ormore evaporators 188A, 188B connected in fluid series and charged with arefrigerant. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealedcooling system 180 may include additional or fewer components. Forexample, sealed cooling system 180 may include only a single evaporator(e.g., mounted within fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124) ormultiple discrete evaporators positioned separate locations withincabinet 102.

Within sealed cooling system 180, gaseous refrigerant flows intocompressor 182, which operates to increase the pressure of therefrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature,which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser184. Within condenser 184, heat exchange (e.g., with ambient air) takesplace so as to cool the refrigerant and cause the refrigerant tocondense to a liquid state.

Expansion device 186 (e.g., a valve, capillary tube, or otherrestriction device) receives liquid refrigerant from condenser 184. Fromexpansion device 186, the liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 188Aand/or evaporator 188B. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment ofFIG. 7, one evaporator 188A is positioned within freezer chamber 124while another evaporator 188B is positioned within fresh food chamber122. Upon exiting expansion device 186 and entering evaporator(s) 188A,188B, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and vaporizes. Due to thepressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, evaporators 188A,188B are cool relative to freezer and fresh food chambers 124 and 122 ofrefrigerator appliance 100. As such, cooled air is produced andrefrigerates freezer and fresh food chambers 124 and 122 of refrigeratorappliance 100. Thus, evaporators 188A, 188B are heat exchangers whichtransfer heat from air passing over evaporators 188A, 188B torefrigerant flowing through evaporators 188A, 188B. In some embodiments,an air handler 189A or 189B, such as a fan or blower, is providedadjacent to one or more of evaporators 188A, 188B. For instance, airhandler 189A may be provided within freezer chamber 124 to motivate airacross evaporator 188A. Additionally or alternatively, air handler 189Bmay be provided within fresh food chamber 122 to motivate air acrossevaporator 188B.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100 shownwith refrigerator doors 128 in the open position. As shown, a secondaryliner (e.g., icebox liner 132) defining a sub-compartment (e.g., iceboxcompartment 160) is attached (e.g., mechanically connected directly orindirectly) to cabinet 102. For instance, in some embodiments, at leastone door 128 includes icebox liner 132 positioned thereon. In turn,icebox compartment 160 is defined within one of doors 128. In some suchembodiments, icebox compartment 160 extends into fresh food chamber 122when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position. Although iceboxcompartment 160 is shown in door 128, additional or alterativeembodiments may include an icebox compartment defined at another portionof refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., within door 130 or fresh foodchamber 122). An ice making assembly or icemaker 152 may be positionedor mounted within icebox compartment 160. Ice may be supplied todispenser recess 150 (FIG. 1) from the icemaker 152 in iceboxcompartment 160 on a back side of refrigerator door 128.

An access door (e.g., icebox door 162) may be hinged to iceboxcompartment 160 to selectively cover or permit access to opening oficebox compartment 160. When refrigerator door 128 and icebox door 162are both closed, icebox door 162 thus seals icebox compartment 160 fromfresh food chamber 122. Any manner of suitable latch 164 is providedwith icebox compartment 160 to maintain icebox door 162 in a closedposition. As an example, latch 164 may be actuated by a consumer inorder to open icebox door 162 for providing access into iceboxcompartment 160. Icebox door 162 can also assist with insulating iceboxcompartment 160 (e.g., by thermally isolating or insulating iceboxcompartment 160 from fresh food chamber 122). As will be described indetail below, a circulation duct 202 (FIG. 3) within icebox compartment160 may receive cooling air from a chilled air supply duct 166 and achilled air return duct 168 positioned on a side portion of cabinet 102of refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., at least partially enclosed betweenouter liner 118 and internal liner 120). In this manner, the supply duct166 and return duct 168 may recirculate chilled air from a suitablesealed cooling system (e.g., air within or in communication with afreezer chamber 124 and/or evaporator 188A—FIG. 3) and through iceboxcompartment 160. An air handler 176 (FIG. 6), such as a fan or blower,may be provided to motivate and recirculate air. As an example, airhandler 176 can direct chilled air from an evaporator 188A (FIGS. 3 and6) of a sealed system 180 (FIG. 7) through a duct to compartment 160.

In some embodiments, one or more of an icemaker 152 and ice bucket orstorage bin 154 are provided within icebox compartment 160. Icemaker 152may be any suitable assembly for generating ice from liquid water, suchas a rigid cube, soft-ice, or nugget ice making assembly. Ice storagebin 154 may be positioned to receive and/or store ice from icemaker 152.Optionally, ice storage bin 154 is positioned below icemaker 152 andreceives ice therefrom. For instance, an ice chute (not pictured) may bepositioned adjacent to icemaker 152 to direct ice from icemaker 152 toice bin 154. From ice storage bin 154, the ice can enter deliveryassembly 140 and be accessed by a user.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, various schematic views of refrigeratorappliance 100 are illustrated. In particular, a cooling system 200 inthermal communication with icebox compartment 160 is shown. Generally,an internal liner 120 defines fresh food chamber 122 and/or freezerchamber 124. Specifically, an inner surface of internal liner 120 maydefine one or both of fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124. Anopposite outer surface of internal liner 120 may face away from innersurface and the respective fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber124.

Internal liner 120 may be formed from a single continuous integralcomponent or, alternatively, from multiple connected pieces. Optionally,fresh food chamber 122 may be fluidly isolated from freezer chamber 124.For instance, both chamber 122, 124 may be isolated such that no air isexchanged between chambers 122, 124 when one or both of doors 128, 130(FIG. 2) are closed. Alternatively, a separate duct or circulationsystem may be provided to selectively direct chilled air from freezerchamber 124 to fresh food chamber 122 (e.g., as directed by controller190).

As noted above, the icebox liner 132 may generally define iceboxcompartment 160, for instance, on door 128 (FIG. 2) or another suitablelocation within cabinet 102. In certain embodiments, icebox compartment160 is positioned within fresh food chamber 122 when door 128 is in theclosed position. When doors 128 and 130 (FIG. 2) are closed, iceboxcompartment 160 may be further isolated from fresh food chamber 122 andfreezer chamber 124 such that no air is exchanged between iceboxcompartment 160 and freezer chamber 124 or fresh food chamber 122.Advantageously, any odors within the chambers 122, 124 will thus beprevented from affecting the smell or flavor of ice generated and/orstored within icebox compartment 160.

As shown a circulation duct 202 extends within and through iceboxcompartment 160. Specifically, circulation duct 202 may attach to aportion of icebox liner 132. An air passage 206 is defined bycirculation duct 202. For instance, circulation duct 202 may include aduct wall 204 that is attached (e.g., mechanically connected directly orindirectly) to icebox liner 132 to define the separate air passage 206inside icebox compartment 160. Additionally or alternatively, a portionof icebox liner 132 may further define air passage 206, with or withoutthe discrete duct wall 204.

Generally, air passage 206 is provided in fluid isolation from iceboxcompartment 160. In other words, air is not readily exchanged betweenair passage 206 and icebox compartment 160 (e.g., the surroundingportion of icebox compartment 160, including storage bin 154). Thus, airfrom freezer chamber 124 will be prevented from interacting with iceformed by icemaker 152 or held within ice storage bin 154. In someembodiments, circulation duct 202, including duct wall 204, is providedas a solid non-permeable member lacking any door or opening in fluidcommunication with icebox compartment 160. In spite of the fluidisolation, circulation duct 202 may remain in thermal communication withicebox compartment 160. In turn, heat within icebox compartment 160 maybe conducted (e.g., through duct wall 204) into air passage 206. Inother words, air within air passage 206 may absorb at least a portion ofheat within icebox compartment 160, without passing between air passage206 and the surrounding portion of icebox compartment 160.

Although air passage 206 is illustrated as a generally open cavity inFIGS. 3 through 4, alternative embodiments may include one or more finmembers (e.g., attached to or formed on duct wall 204 and/or iceboxliner 132) extending within air passage 206 and/or icebox compartment160, thereby increasing the surface area of circulation duct 202.

Turning especially to FIG. 4, circulation duct 202, specifically airpassage 206, is in fluid communication with freezer chamber 124. Whendoor 128 (FIG. 2) is in the closed position, a first opening 212 definedthrough icebox liner 132 fluidly communicates with the upstream outletof supply duct 166 while a second opening 214 defined through iceboxliner 132 fluidly communicates with the downstream inlet of return duct168. As shown, the first opening 212 is generally positioned upstreamfrom the second opening 214. Thus, air may be flowed (e.g., as motivatedby air handler 176—FIG. 6) from freezer chamber 124 through the supplyduct 166 to the air passage 206. From air circulation duct 202, air mayfurther flow through return duct 168 and back to freezer chamber 124. Insome embodiments, the first opening 212 is aligned (e.g., vertically)with the supply duct 166 while second opening 214 is aligned with thereturn duct 168 below the first opening 212.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, icemaker 152 may be mounted within iceboxcompartment 160. Thus, the icemaker 152 may be disposed at leastpartially within fresh food chamber 122 when door 128 (FIG. 2) is in theclosed position. In some such embodiments, icemaker 152 includes a moldbody 192 configured for receiving liquid water and forming ice in themold body 192. For instance, mold body 192 may be so configured byforming the mold body 192 with a series of impressions or recesses (seeFIG. 6) that receive liquid water therein and hold the liquid water atleast until the liquid water freezes. In some exemplary embodiments, theicemaker 152 includes features for harvesting the ice from the mold body192 once it has been formed. Storage bin 154 may be disposed incommunication with the mold body 192 (e.g., below mold body 192) forreceipt and storage of ice once the ice has been formed in mold body 192and ejected therefrom.

When assembled, icemaker 152 may be in thermal communication withfreezer chamber 124. For instance, mold body 192 may be mounted tocirculation duct 202 (e.g., at duct wall 204). In exemplary embodiments,mold body 192 may be in conductive thermal communication withcirculation duct 202 to cool mold body 192 and permit ice formationtherein. Such conductive thermal communication may be provided in someexemplary embodiments by direct contact between circulation duct 202 andmold body 192. In certain embodiments, mold body 192 and circulationduct 202 are formed of a material with a high thermal conductivity(e.g., a metal, such as aluminum). In optional embodiments, mold body192 may be an integral extension of circulation duct 202. In otherwords, mold body 192 and circulation duct 202 may be formed of aseamless one-piece unitary construction. In additional or alternativeembodiments, at least a portion of mold body 192 may be positioned on orwithin air passage 206. In turn, mold body 192 may be in fluidcommunication with air passage 206. In some such embodiments, thermalcommunication between icemaker 152 and freezer chamber 124 (e.g., anevaporator 188A mounted within freezer chamber 124) may be by convection(i.e., air flow) from freezer chamber 124 to circulation duct 202 and/orby conduction from circulation duct 202 to the mold body 192 in theicebox compartment 160. Providing cold air from freezer chamber 124 tocirculation duct 202 rather than into icebox compartment 160 mayadvantageously permit more efficient thermal energy transfer from thecold air to mold body 192. That is, rather than circulating cold airabove the mold body 192, impinging a flow of cold air on duct wall 204or another component that is in direct conductive thermal communicationwith the mold body 192 allows the cold air to more directly influencethe mold body 192. In turn, icemaker 152 may be more efficient andprovide faster ice product than conventional approaches.

In some embodiments, a thermo-electric heat exchanger 220 (TEHE) isincluded in thermal communication with icebox compartment 160.Generally, TEHE 220 may be any suitable solid state, electrically-drivenheat pump, such as a Peltier device. TEHE 220 may include a distinct hotside 222 and cold side 224. A heat flux created between the junction ofhot side 222 and cold side 224 may draw heat from the cold side 224 tothe hot side 222 (e.g., as driven by an electrical current). Thus, whenactive, the cold side 224 of TEHE 220 may be maintained at a lowertemperature than the hot side 222 of TEHE 220. In some embodiments, TEHE220 is operably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to controller 190,which may thus control the flow of current to TEHE 220.

Although TEHE 220 is illustrated as a generally solid member in FIGS. 3through 4, alternative embodiments may include one or more fin members(e.g., attached to or formed on hot side 222 and/or cold side 224)extending within air passage 206 and/or icebox compartment 160, therebyincreasing the surface area of TEHE 220. For instance, one or more finsmay extend from the hot side 222 within air passage 206 while one ormore other fins extend from the cold side 224 within icebox compartment160.

As shown, TEHE 220 may be attached (e.g., mechanically connecteddirectly or indirectly) to icebox liner 132. For instance, TEHE 220 maybe mounted on circulation duct 202. Thus, TEHE 220 may be mounted inthermal and fluid communication with air passage 206. In some suchembodiments, at least a portion of TEHE 220 is positioned within airpassage 206. For instance, the hot side 222 may be disposed within airpassage 206. Additionally or alternatively, the cold side 224 may be influid communication with icebox compartment 160. In the exemplaryembodiments of FIG. 4, TEHE 220 is positioned on circulation duct 202downstream from mold body 192. Specifically, the hot side 222 of TEHE220 is disposed within air passage 206 downstream from mold body 192while the cold side 224 of TEHE 220 is held outside of air passage 206within icebox compartment 160. During operations, heat may thus be drawnfrom icebox compartment 160 and to air passage 206 through TEHE 220.Such heat energy may be further absorbed by air flowing throughcirculation duct 202 (e.g., after passing across mold body 192) beforebeing motivated to freezer chamber 124. Advantageously, TEHE 220 mayaccelerate the heat exchange between icebox compartment 160 andcirculation duct 202 without permitting air from freezer chamber 124into icebox compartment 160 and potentially contaminating the flavor ofice within icebox compartment 160. Moreover, the relatively cool air(e.g., between 0° Fahrenheit and 45° Fahrenheit) directed across the hotside 222 of TEHE 220 within the air passage 206 may advantageouslyimprove efficiency of TEHE 220 (e.g., in comparison to a TEHE 220positioned in or in fluid communication with an ambient environment inwhich temperatures are commonly between 70° Fahrenheit and 90°Fahrenheit) without the need for intermediate cooling paths of, forexample, liquid refrigerant.

In further embodiments, one or more gaskets 230 may be provided at anouter surface of the icebox liner 132. As shown, the gaskets 230 mayenclose or surround heat exchange openings 212 and 214. When the door128 (FIG. 2) is in a closed position, gaskets 230 may sealingly engage aside wall (e.g., internal liner 120) of the fresh food chamber 122 toprevent air leaks. For example, gaskets 230 may help to prevent orminimize cold air flowing between supply duct 166 and return duct 168from escaping into the fresh food chamber 122/or relatively warm, humidair from fresh food chamber 122 from entering return duct 168 orcontacting circulation duct. In alternative embodiments, gaskets 230 maybe positioned on a side portion of internal liner 120 of the fresh foodchamber 122 and extend between the side portion and the outer surface oficebox liner 132 at openings 212, 214 when door 128 is in the closedposition.

Turning briefly to FIG. 6, some embodiments include at least one airhandler 176 in fluid communication with air passage 206 and at least oneair handler 226 in fluid communication with icebox compartment 160. Oneor both of the air handlers 176, 226 may be operably coupled (e.g.,electrically or wirelessly coupled) to controller 190.

Generally, air handler 176 may be mounted at a suitable location alongthe fluid path between freezer compartment 124 (FIG. 3) and circulationduct 202 to recirculate air through air passage 206. For instance, airhandler 176 may be mounted to or within supply conduit 166, circulationconduit 202, or return duct 168. Optionally, air handler 176 may bepositioned upstream from mold body 192.

Air handler 226 may be mounted at a suitable location within iceboxcompartment 160 to recirculate air therein (i.e., outside of and apartfrom air passage 206). Air handler 226 may thus be operable to motivateair circulation within the icebox compartment 160 (e.g., as directed bycontroller 190). In particular, air handler 226 may circulate air overmold body 192 and/or storage bin 154. Furthermore, air handler 226 maycirculate air over TEHE 220 (e.g., at the cold side 224) (FIGS. 4 and5). Such air circulation may be advantageous to assist in chilling theicebox compartment 160 and keeping ice therein at a desired temperature(e.g., below 32° Fahrenheit).

In optional embodiments, controller 190 may be configured to activate(e.g., rotate) air handler 226 based on a temperature detected at atemperature sensor 228 (e.g., thermistor or thermocouple) within iceboxcompartment 160. In some such embodiments, temperature sensor 228 isoperably coupled (e.g., electrically or wirelessly coupled) tocontroller 190. As the temperature rises above a threshold value, airhandler 226 may be activated to circulate air within icebox compartment160. In additional or alternative embodiments, controller 190 may beconfigured to activate air handler 226 when the ice storage bin 154 isfull and ice making is not required. In some such embodiments, airhandler 226 may be activated to ensure heat does not accumulate in oneor more distinct portions of icebox compartment 160.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of icebox compartment160 is illustrated. It is understood that, the embodiment of FIG. 5 issimilar to the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 1through 4 and FIG. 6, except as otherwise indicated. For instance, inthe exemplary embodiments of FIG. 5, thermo-electric heat exchanger 220is spaced apart from circulation duct 202. In other words, asillustrated in FIG. 5, TEHE 220 may be mounted at a location withinicebox compartment 160 that is not in contact with circulation duct 202(e.g., as generally illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4).

As described above, TEHE 220 may be any suitable solid state,electrically-driven heat pump, such as a Peltier device. Moreover, TEHE220 may include a distinct hot side 222 and cold side 224. A heat fluxcreated between the junction of hot side 222 and cold side 224 may drawheat from the cold side 224 to the hot side 222 (e.g., as driven by anelectrical current). Thus, when active, the cold side 224 of TEHE 220may be maintained at a lower temperature than the hot side 222 of TEHE220. In some embodiments, TEHE 220 is operably coupled (e.g.,electrically coupled) to controller 190.

Although TEHE 220 is illustrated as a generally solid member in FIG. 5,alternative embodiments may include one or more fin members (e.g.,attached to or formed on hot side 222 and/or cold side 224) extendingwithin fresh food chamber 122 and/or icebox compartment 160, therebyincreasing the surface area of TEHE 220. For instance, one or more finsmay extend from the hot side 222 within fresh food compartment 122 whileone or more other fins extend from the cold side 224 within iceboxcompartment 160.

As shown, TEHE 220 may be attached (e.g., mechanically connecteddirectly or indirectly) to icebox liner 132. For instance, TEHE 220 maybe mounted on an outer portion of icebox liner 132. In the exemplaryembodiments of FIG. 5, TEHE 220 is in fluid isolation from air passage206. At least a portion of TEHE 220 may be positioned within fresh foodchamber 122 (e.g., when the door 128 to which icebox liner 132 isattached is in the closed position—see FIGS. 2 and 3). Thus, TEHE 220may be mounted in thermal and fluid communication with fresh foodchamber 122. In certain embodiments, the hot side 222 is disposed withinwith fresh food chamber 122. In additional or alternative embodiments,the cold side 224 is in fluid communication with icebox compartment 160.During operations, heat may thus be drawn from icebox compartment 160and to fresh food chamber 122 through TEHE 220. Such heat energy may befurther absorbed by air within fresh food chamber 122. Optionally, afresh food air handler 236 (e.g., fan or blower) may be provided withinfresh food chamber 122 to motivate air across the hot side 222 of TEHE220 and through fresh food chamber 122.

Advantageously, TEHE 220 may facilitate a heat exchange from iceboxcompartment 160 to fresh food chamber 122 without permitting air fromfresh food chamber 122 into icebox compartment 160 and potentiallycontaminating the flavor of ice within icebox compartment 160. Moreover,the relatively cool air (e.g., between 32° Fahrenheit and 45°Fahrenheit) directed across the hot side 222 of TEHE 220 in the freshfood chamber 122 may advantageously improve efficiency of TEHE 220(e.g., in comparison to a TEHE 220 positioned in or in fluidcommunication with an ambient environment in which temperatures arecommonly between 70° Fahrenheit and 90° Fahrenheit) without the need forintermediate cooling paths of, for example, liquid refrigerant.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A refrigerator appliance comprising: a cabinetcomprising an internal liner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh foodchamber; a secondary liner positioned at the fresh food chamber, thesecondary liner defining a sub-compartment in fluid isolation from thefreezer chamber and the fresh food chamber; and a circulation ductextending within the sub-compartment in fluidly-isolated thermalcommunication with the sub-compartment, the circulation duct defining anair passage in fluid communication with the freezer chamber.
 2. Therefrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising an icemakermounted within the sub-compartment.
 3. The refrigerator appliance ofclaim 2, wherein the icemaker comprises a mold body configured forreceiving liquid water and forming ice in the mold body, and wherein themold body is mounted to the circulation duct in thermal communicationwith the air passage.
 4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, furthercomprising a door attached to the cabinet to selectively restrict accessto the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber in a closed position,wherein the secondary liner is mounted to the door, and wherein thesub-compartment is in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and thefresh food chamber in the closed position.
 5. The refrigerator applianceof claim 1, further comprising a thermo-electric heat exchanger attachedto the secondary liner to draw heat from the sub-compartment.
 6. Therefrigerator appliance of claim 5, wherein the thermo-electric heatexchanger is mounted on the circulation duct and is partially positionedwithin the air passage.
 7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 6,wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger comprises a solid state heatpump having a hot side and a cold side, and wherein the hot side isdisposed in fluid communication with the air passage.
 8. Therefrigerator appliance of claim 7, wherein the cold side is disposed influid communication with the sub-compartment.
 9. The refrigeratorappliance of claim 5, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger isspaced apart from the circulation duct.
 10. The refrigerator applianceof claim 10, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger comprises asolid state heat pump having a hot side and a cold side, and wherein thehot side is disposed in fluid communication with the fresh food chamber.11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 10, wherein the cold side isdisposed in fluid communication with the sub-compartment.
 12. Arefrigerator appliance comprising: a cabinet comprising an internalliner defining a freezer chamber and a fresh food chamber; a secondaryliner attached to the cabinet, the secondary liner defining asub-compartment in fluid isolation from the freezer chamber and thefresh food chamber; an icemaker mounted within the sub-compartment, theicemaker comprising a mold body configured for receiving liquid waterand forming ice in the mold body; and a circulation duct extending alongthe mold body within the sub-compartment, the circulation duct being influid communication with the freezer chamber and fluidly-isolatedthermal communication with the sub-compartment.
 13. The refrigeratorappliance of claim 12, further comprising a door attached to the cabinetto selectively restrict access to the fresh food chamber or the freezerchamber in a closed position, wherein the secondary liner is mounted tothe door, and wherein the sub-compartment is in fluid isolation from thefreezer chamber and the fresh food chamber in the closed position. 14.The refrigerator appliance of claim 12, further comprising athermo-electric heat exchanger attached to the secondary liner to drawheat from the sub-compartment.
 15. The refrigerator appliance of claim14, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is mounted on thecirculation duct and is partially positioned within the air passage. 16.The refrigerator appliance of claim 15, wherein the thermo-electric heatexchanger comprises a solid state heat pump having a hot side and a coldside, and wherein the hot side is disposed in fluid communication withthe air passage.
 17. The refrigerator appliance of claim 16, wherein thecold side is disposed in fluid communication with the sub-compartment.18. The refrigerator appliance of claim 17, wherein the hot side isdisposed downstream from the mold body.
 19. The refrigerator applianceof claim 14, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchanger is spaced apartfrom the circulation duct, wherein the thermo-electric heat exchangercomprises a solid state heat pump having a hot side and a cold side, andwherein the hot side is disposed in fluid communication with the freshfood chamber.
 20. The refrigerator appliance of claim 19, wherein thecold side is disposed in fluid communication with the sub-compartment.